I went to see a friend yesterday, who is a deejay. Nick and I both work together on our, once a month, gigs at our local Soul shindig, and I took a copy of the second SouLutions album round to play to him. He said to me one thing, about this group, which I absolutely agree with. That is, today’s sound is very much about setting a ‘back in the day, moody, groove’, which can be at times a wearing affair. SouLutions music, if nothing else, and even in it’s ballad format, is nothing short of joyous. Steve Lee and Louise Mehan have a very clever knack of taking segments of Soul history, and re-inventing them. Whether the intention is for a new generation, well, that is down to the listener. All I know is I can play this music to my 24 year old daughter, and she gets the same vibe and enjoyment, from this rabble, that I do. I want SouLutions to continue making music, so, even though I get sent a digital review copy of the album to listen to, I also go buy the CD off the band’s website. I am always left wanting for more with this group. 40 years or so ago, SouLutions would be up there on Top Of The Pops along with the Real Thing and Heatwave.

In 2018, folks are prepared to put up with anything the industry tells them to like. Failure Swift and Lazy Gaga? Give me strength! Those who utilise the left hand side of their grey matter, are looking for more. With SouLutions you get that. Track-wise, you guys will already know the singles ‘Thankful’ and ‘I Got To Party’, which would almost be enough for most punters to go buy the album on their own. There are 11 other fine songs on show here. For myself ‘Get Out’ is superb. ‘Don’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover’ was released a couple of years ago, and makes a welcome return here. I think Louise has met some shallow people out there, who do judge that proverbial book by it’s cover. I am sure you guys are not amongst those foolish folks. ’Shooting Star’, ‘Thinking Of You’, ‘Second Guessing’ and about a further 5 other tracks (or so), all made the five star rating for myself, with this set. Louise has a beautiful vocal delivery, and is allowed to develop the songs melodically and lyrically, articulating each gem for the better radio stations in 2018. Probably the best album so far this year (respect to Diane Shaw and Swing Out Sister I would add). Now how many of these CD’s do I have to buy to keep this group in business......:)))). I need to know!